Therapeutic Massage in downtown Portland (503) 227-0206

Myofascial Release

What is Myofascial Release?

Myofascial Release is a manipulative form of bodywork that releases tension in the fascia or connective tissue of the body. Myofascial Release (MFR) therapy focuses on releasing muscular shortness and tightness – this form of bodywork may employ a stronger touch, but not necessarily. There are a number of conditions and symptoms that myofascial release therapy addresses. Patients seek Myofascial Release treatment after losing flexibility or function following an injury or if experiencing ongoing back, shoulder, hip, or virtually pain in any area containing soft tissue.

Tightness of the tissues that restricts motion or pulls the body out of alignment, causing individuals to favor and overuse one hip or shoulder, for example:

A sense of excessive pressure on muscles or joints that produces pain;

Pain in any part or parts of the body, including headache or back pain.

Causes of Myofascial pain

Myofascial pain can have two sources. Pain can be generated from the skeletal muscle or connective tissues that are ‘bound down’ by tight fascia. In addition, pain can also be generated from damaged myofascial tissue itself, sometimes at a trigger point where a contraction of muscle fibers has occurred. In either case, the restriction or contraction inhibits blood flow to the affected structures, thus accentuating the contraction process further unless the area is treated.

The goal of Myofascial Release Therapy is to stretch and loosen the fascia so that it and other contiguous structures can move more freely, and your motion is restored. It may also be referred to as ‘Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy’.

The specific releases to different parts of the body vary, but generally include gentle application of pressure or sustained low load stretch to the affected area(s). Progress is gauged by the level of increased motion or function experienced, and/or decrease in pain felt by the patient.

By targeting specific areas of the fascial system, Myofascial Release Massage Therapy can help prepare you for more aggressive forms of strengthening, or provide pain relief if you have restricted flexibility and movement, thus allow you to return to normal movement and greater function.

Parking

There is ample long and short term street parking in our NW Portland neighborhood. We recommend 4th Ave., Flanders, & Glisan for long term street parking, and there are numerous parking lots near the studio.